Docklands

Docklands lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

The population of Docklands is estimated at around 18,778 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,283 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,495. The change was inferred from the resident population of 18,569 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 983 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,961 persons per square kilometer, placing Docklands in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 21.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and utilising VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted over the period 2026 to 2041 with the area expected to expand by 11,150 persons, reflecting a gain of 58.3% in total population over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Docklands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Docklands averaged approximately 822 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 4,111 homes. As of FY-26926 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents per year arrive for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and facilitating population growth that could surpass current projections.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $680,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket developments. In FY-26, $1.074 billion in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Recent development has consisted entirely of medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 13 people per dwelling approval, Docklands exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Docklands is projected to add approximately 10,941 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Docklands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 83 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Elysium Fields, Victoria Harbour Precinct, Collins Wharf - Final Three Towers, and Sento. The following details projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Docklands performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Docklands has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%.

As of December 2025, there are 13,730 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% and workforce participation at 80.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Half of the residents work from home. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional average of 14.2%. There are 5.7 workers for every resident, indicating that Docklands functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force grew by 4.7%, causing unemployment to rise slightly to 2.8%. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's employment growth was 2.4% with a labour force expansion of 2.8% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Docklands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Docklands has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Docklands is $59,022, and the average income stands at $81,097. These figures compare with those of Greater Melbourne, which are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $63,891 (median) and $87,788 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings in Docklands rank at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,182 weekly), while household income ranks lower at the 63rd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 35.4% of the population (6,647 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 18.8% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Docklands features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Docklands' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Docklands was at 12.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.6% and rented ones at 68.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. The median weekly rent was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Docklands' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Docklands features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 51.5% of all households, including 12.4% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 3.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.5%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Docklands places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Docklands residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than national and state averages. 64.9% of Docklands residents hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 8.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Docklands has 61 active public transport stops serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 76 different routes, collectively facilitating 34,456 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 119 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode at 37%, followed by walking (16%) and train use (14%). Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 50.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 4,922 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 564 weekly trips per stop.

Docklands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment of Docklands' health outcomes shows exceptional results. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 59% of the total population (11,045 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues impacted 5.1% of residents, while asthma affected 4.6%. 84.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Docklands has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,464 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with national rankings.

Docklands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Docklands has a population where 58.7% speak a language other than English at home, with 67.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Docklands, making up 27.5%. Hinduism is overrepresented at 14.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 4.4%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese comprise 19.8%, Other 18.9%, and English 13.8%. Notably, Indians are overrepresented at 11.7% compared to the regional average of 4.2%. Koreans are also overrepresented at 1.9% (vs 0.3%) and Russians at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Docklands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Docklands has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Docklands has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (35.5%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, residents have aged on average by 1.1 years, with the median age rising from 32 to 33. Notably, the 35-44 age group has grown from 18.7% to 20.1% of the population during this period. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 39.0% to 35.5%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 4.5% to 2.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Docklands' age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase substantially, with an addition of 2,474 people (a 37% rise) from 6,666 to 9,141 residents.